Lewisham plans to introduce increased parking charges for more polluting vehicles and a diesel surcharge, in a move hoped to impact the borough’s pollution levels.

Cllr Brenda Dacres announced the “bold policy” at a mayor and cabinet meeting, with the proposals now going out for public consultation in the summer.

Residents’ permits are currently £35 for three months, and £120 for the year, with the council’s proposals meaning the least polluting vehicles would pay less than current prices, and those with the most polluting vehicles paying more.

All parking permits for diesel vehicles would also be subject to a £50 surcharge.

She said it was the first time the council had updated the borough’s parking policy since 2014.

“Road traffic is the largest contributor to air pollution in London.

“We recently passed a motion declaring a climate emergency.

“I would encourage people to try lower emission vehicles,” she said.

Cllr Joe Dromey said car users accounted for about a fifth of air pollution in London.

“I am really excited about this. I think it will have a huge impact on toxic air pollution. It is the biggest challenge facing our community,” he said.

“People in the poorest communities are the most likely to suffer [from air pollution],” he added.

Other changes that are part of the consultation include improving the free visitor permit offer, changing the charging structure for penalty charge notices and making sure disabled parking bays are enforceable.

The results of the summer consultation would go to the sustainable development select committee (SDSC) for their input before the final

policy is agreed by mayor and cabinet.

The proposals come alongside the introduction of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone in central London on April 8, which will be expanded to Lewisham in 2021.

The Ultra-Low Emission Zone will see all cars and vans liable for a daily charge unless they meet new, tighter exhaust emission standards.